Daniel Blow For Pool

Colin Daniel is set for a spell on the sidelines after pulling his hamstring in the game against Newport County last weekend, manager Gary Bowyer has confirmed.

The midfielder was forced off in the 76th minute following a burst down the right and his absence will be something of a blow for forthcoming matches.

"We've not had a good couple of days on the injury front, Colin has pulled his hamstring so he's going to be out for a couple of weeks," Bowyer said.

"I said on Saturday that we were disappointed for him because he's been in fabulous form and made a big contribution to us.

"He was a catalyst on Saturday for the change in our performance because we weren't quite at it after we scored, and it was Colin who sort of stepped up as a leader and took charge, got people running around and closing down again.

"He'll be missed, but what it does do is it presents somebody else with that opportunity to claim that position."

There is better news on Kelvin Mellor, however, with the right-back set for an early return to training after leaving the pitch on a stretcher against Newport.

"It's not as serious and thank god in that sense because when you see someone stretchered off you fear the worst. We're hopeful that he'll train tomorrow and go from there on that one," the manager added.